VRSS-1 is Venezuela's second satellite built by China, which launched a communications satellite named Venesat 1 in 2008. The satellite was built by China Academy of Space Technology, and the launch was arranged by China Great Wall Industry Corp., the state-owned firm responsible commercial Long March rocket missions. The satellite was named after Francisco de Miranda, a Venezuelan revolutionary hero. The Miranda satellite will assess Venezuela's soil and water resources, collect images to help urban planners, monitor illegal mining and drug activities, and strengthen national defense.